WAIMEA — Despite the threat of heavy rains and a flash flood advisory, hundreds of people filled a fair near the grounds of a former sugar mill Friday for the annual Waimea Town Celebration. Hosted by the West Kaua‘i Business
WAIMEA — Despite the threat of heavy rains and a flash flood advisory, hundreds of people filled a fair near the grounds of a former sugar mill Friday for the annual Waimea Town Celebration.
Hosted by the West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association and the Waimea Main Street program, the Waimea Town Celebration capped a week-long celebration of events commemorating the history, lifestyle and traditions of the Westside.
This was highlighted in the offering of this year’s themed T-shirt depicting local menu favorites such as flying saucers, pronto pups and other unique culinary delights.
The dishes were among the offerings of various community organizations who utilized the event to raise funds for their respective causes. The Kekaha Blue Jays dispensed flying saucers (ground beef and spices inside round buns), while the Rotary Club of West Kaua‘i continued its tradition of serving up pronto pups — think corn dogs.
Malasadas, coming fresh off Malasada Tuesday, were prepared using a traditional recipe from a member of the West Kaua‘i Methodist Church. Waimea Canyon Middle School hosted two booths — one offering a fried fish plate and another luring keiki to the fishpond game.
Na Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala, under kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao-Jardin, used the event to help with its upcoming trip to the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, offering up Poi Balls to complement the malasadas.
“This is a true community event,” said Basilio “Bunga” Fuertes, who was stirring a batch of smoked meat for the West Kaua‘i Lions Club’s offering of smoked meat plates while visitors Lawrence Nishihara and Barbara Kutis watched.
Radiating outward from the site of the old sugar mill, activities such as a rodeo, baseball tournament and 3-on-3 basketball tournament moved people through the town.
Vivian Tamanaha topped the adult division in the Na Paniolo Hat Lei Contest. The entries were displayed at the West Kaua‘i Technology and Visitor Center located across Kaumuali‘i Highway from the heart of the celebration and also featured entries from the Easter Seals of Hawai‘i on Kaua‘i.
Kauai‘iki Olores, singing along with the live entertainment and sporting a lighted mohawk gracing himself and his two canine companions, finished second in the adult division with Manny Rapozo getting third.
Anuhea Anakalea took two prizes in the 9-12 grade division, ending with first and third, while Nikki Vea garnered second place.
Miryanne Santiago topped the 6-8 grade group, followed by Kustom Vea Wise and Kaliua Kahalekomo. Maile Baniaga topped the 3-5 grade group ,followed by Pi‘i Kea Sahut capturing second and third places.
Braden Saipe topped the K-2 grade division, followed by Urijah Acoba Vea taking second and third places.
